Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Are Teaching Classes at Dungeon Master Academy

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing immersive events where expert DMs manage D&D games in old manors in England and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is set for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the idea was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session alongside peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your peers who are probably in a similar position and aim to enhance their abilities,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Pricing Tiers

DMs can select tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the essentials of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Universe Design: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Aimed at game masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Every class includes two days of classwork spread over 48 hours.

“The courses are created so that you depart having usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they go beyond recorded content. These workshops that you can join, learn from, and then head back to your table the week after and implement in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are instructed by two professors. Setting design is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development includes four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is designed to deliver focused advice to participants with specific goals.

“Some of them aim to start their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, some of them want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 premium package offers access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with an instructor. This marks the debut of the program, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an complete event just on office hours for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of everybody’s time – I believe the structured learning and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2.5K platinum tier offers an hour of one-on-one time and the possibility to manage an adventure for five players plus a teacher, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The goal is for the faculty member to evaluate whatever the DM is focused on: I struggle with improvisation or I encounter obstacles in specific fight encounters. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and receive input on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Input from the first event will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, extending the program to three days, or testing different seminar structures.

“I expect that we do this very often,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The reception has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I believe it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in partnership with big conventions.”